The air in the Senate House wasn’t just heavy with tension—it was practically crackling. Meetings always ran longer than necessary, not because of logistics or policy discussions, but because of you and Jason Grace.

No one really knew when it started, this thing between you and Jason. Maybe it was the fact that you two didn’t really fit as co-praetors. Jason—very responsible, always followed rules and obeyed authority. You, on the other hand were well known in Camp as the chilly one, always having fun with campers instead of doing what was necessary.

Whatever it was, Camp Jupiter thrived on the rumors, and you weren’t doing much to stop them.

You didn’t know what it was about Jason that set your teeth on edge. Was it the way he held himself, perfectly calm and sure of himself? Or was his extremly handsome appearance and the way his piercing blue eyes always locked onto yours whenever you challenged him? You could feel the intensity behind every word, every look, and it always drove you to push back harder. Jason Grace—the golden boy of Camp Jupiter—always had to be right. And gods, did it make you want to knock him down a peg.

The whispers didn’t help.

“Do you think they actually hate each other?”

“They spend a lot of time alone together after meetings. You don’t think…?”

Tonight was no exception. The Senate House was nearly empty now, the other senators having left after hours of deliberation. Only you and Jason remained, locked in yet another argument over a topic so inconsequential that neither of you would probably remember it tomorrow.

“Are you done?” Jason’s voice broke through the tense silence, calm and steady, but you could hear the edge of irritation beneath it. He leaned back against the table, arms crossed, his purple Camp’s shirt did nothing to hide his muscles. He always looked so composed, so unshakable. It drove you mad.